SAGINAW, Mich. (WJRT) – The attorney for one of six men facing federal charges in the alleged plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and attack parts of the Michigan state government believes his client’s words may have been taken out of context.

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Daniel Harris

Parker Douglas is representing Daniel Harris of Lake Orion, who is 23 years old and one of the younger defendants in the case. Harris is facing federal charges in the case, which could land him in prison for life if he is convicted.

“He served in the Marines from 18 to 22 years old and just got out a year ago June,” Douglas said of Harris.

Federal court documents against Harris and five other men state Harris discussed attacking a Michigan State Police facility and they accused Harris of saying, “have one person go to her house. Knock on the door and when she answers it, just cap her,” referring to Whitmer.

Douglas was asked how Harris has reacted to being arrested.

“All of this is something that he didn’t envision happening, so he has given me information that makes me call into question at least some of the things that are related in the complaint. And that just means certain things that may have been said or related that he believes may have been taken out of context,” Douglas said.

He pointed out that the public has only heard one side of the story.

“It’s one government agent’s statement about what happened. Usually you find out a lot more happened and there is a lot more to it when you dig into a case, so I expect to learn more in the coming days,” Douglas said.

Harris and the five other men facing federal charges are expected to appear in U.S. District Court for a hearing on Tuesday.

Seven other men, who are facing charges in state courts, were arraigned on Thursday and Friday. They remain in jail while awaiting further court proceedings later this month.

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